In 2025, real estate remains one of the most reliable and profitable asset classes, even in the face of high interest rates and economic uncertainty. However, the high entry barrier keeps many potential investors on the sidelines. Not everyone has tens or hundreds of thousands of euros to buy a property. The good news is that the market now offers several tools and strategies that allow individuals to start investing in real estate with minimal capital.
This article explores smart and accessible ways for aspiring investors to enter the real estate world without large upfront costs. We focus on strategies that are relevant across Europe and highlight real opportunities available to those starting with limited funds.
Real Estate Crowdfunding Platforms
One of the most democratic investment options today is real estate crowdfunding. These online platforms let you invest in residential complexes, commercial buildings, and rental properties starting from just €100 to €500.
Funds from many investors are pooled together to finance real estate projects. In return, participants receive a share of the income generated through rent or sale.
Popular European platforms: Reinvest24 (Estonia), EstateGuru, Brickstarter.
Advantages: low entry threshold, geographic diversification, automated risk sharing.
Drawbacks: potential developer failure, low liquidity, delayed returns.
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs)
REITs are funds that own, manage, or finance income-producing properties. Investing in a REIT is similar to buying a stock—you can purchase shares on a stock exchange for as little as €10–€100.
There are two types: publicly traded REITs and private REITs available via investment platforms.
Examples of European REITs: Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, Vonovia, LEG Immobilien.
Advantages: high liquidity, regular dividends, no property management required.
Drawbacks: stock market volatility, sector-specific risks.
Co-Investing with Partners
Pooling resources with friends, family, or colleagues is becoming a popular strategy. It allows multiple investors to cover the down payment collectively, easing the financial burden on each individual.
For instance, a €150,000 apartment requiring a 20% down payment (€30,000) can be split among three partners contributing €10,000 each.
Legal agreements, profit-sharing rules, and exit clauses should be clearly defined and documented.
Investing in Garages and Parking Spaces
Low-cost property types—such as garages, storage units, and parking spaces—offer a practical entry point. Prices in European cities typically range from €5,000 to €25,000.
Yields can be surprisingly high:
Example: In Berlin, a garage purchased for €15,000 can rent for €100/month, yielding ~8%.
Pros: minimal maintenance, steady demand, simple management.
Cons: limited capital appreciation, location sensitivity.
Rent-to-Own Agreements
Some landlords and developers offer rent-to-own schemes, where tenants can buy the property after a set period. A portion of the monthly rent is credited toward the future purchase.
Ideal for those with stable income but not enough savings for a down payment.
Example: Rent of €1,000/month, with €200 going into savings. After 5 years, you accumulate €12,000 as your down payment.
This model is gaining popularity in countries like Portugal, Finland, and Ireland.
Real Estate Auctions
Auctions offer the chance to buy properties 10–30% below market value. These can include bank repossessions, municipal auctions, and online platforms like BidX1 or E-Auctions.
Participation typically requires a deposit of 1–5% of the anticipated price.
Due diligence is essential—check for legal encumbrances and potential renovation costs.
Tokenized Real Estate
Modern platforms now tokenize real estate—dividing properties into digital shares called tokens. You can invest with as little as €50.
Examples of platforms: RealT, Blocksquare, Brickken.
Pros: very low entry cost, global accessibility, transparency.
Cons: limited regulation, low liquidity, reliance on technology.
Real Estate-Linked Bank Products
Banks also offer real estate–related investment products:
- Property funds
- Structured deposits tied to housing indices
- Home savings accounts (e.g., Bauspar contracts in Germany)
These are ideal for conservative investors who want exposure to real estate returns without owning physical assets.
Conclusion
You don’t need hundreds of thousands of euros to get started in real estate investing today. A wide range of options—from REITs and crowdfunding to auctions and tokenization—make it possible to begin with small amounts.
The key is to identify your goals, understand your risk tolerance, and choose the strategy that fits your financial situation.
Even with an initial investment of €100–€500, you can start building a diversified portfolio and long-term income.
